Top 5 Must-try Street Foods in Hanoi

Discover the 5 must-try street foods in Hanoi with the GrandViet Tour. Enjoy diverse and adventurous flavors while exploring the most beautiful places in Sapa for the perfect food and travel experience.

Besides the three most famous dishes – beef pho, bun cha, and banh mi – Hanoi street food offers a wide variety of adventurous flavors that promise an unforgettable culinary experience. All dishes are conveniently available on the streets, making them easy to explore. With the GrandViet Tour, travelers can also discover the most beautiful places in Sapa, creating the perfect combination of food and travel adventure.

1. Banh Cuon (Stuffed pancake)

Banh cuon is one of the most beloved traditional breakfast dishes in Hanoi’s street food scene. This delicate dish features thin, silky rice rolls filled with a variety of ingredients, including minced pork, mushrooms, eggs, or mixed fillings, catering to diverse tastes. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors, enhanced by crispy fried shallots, a sweet and tangy fish sauce, fresh aromatic herbs, and spicy garlic-chili sauce. More than just a morning meal, banh cuon reflects the rich culinary heritage of Hanoi, offering visitors a true taste of local culture.
Banh Cuon (Stuffed pancake)

Pairing a Hanoi culinary tour with a journey to the most beautiful places in Sapa allows travelers to enjoy authentic banh cuon while exploring the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam. From misty rice terraces to charming mountain villages, the experience blends the vibrant street food culture of the capital with the serene beauty of the highlands. Banh cuon not only satisfies your palate but also adds a meaningful cultural dimension to your travel, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a complete Hanoi and Sapa adventure.

2. Bun Oc

The classic street food of Hanoi is a must-try culinary experience for anyone exploring Vietnam’s capital. A perfect bowl of Bun Oc delights with the tangy flavor of fermented vinegar, the tender crunch of fresh snails, and the harmony of fried tofu, fresh herbs, and leafy greens. Each Bun Oc vendor has a unique recipe, giving every bowl its own special taste that reflects the rich food culture of Hanoi. While making Bun Oc is not overly complicated, achieving the ideal balance of flavors requires skill and experience.
Bun Oc Bun Oc

When visiting Hanoi, tasting Bun Oc is not only about enjoying delicious food but also immersing yourself in the traditional culture of the Old Quarter. For travelers planning a Northern Vietnam journey, be sure to visit the most beautiful places in Sapa, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, endless terraced rice fields, and colorful ethnic villages. Combining a culinary adventure in Hanoi with a scenic exploration of Sapa promises an unforgettable experience for both your taste buds and your eyes.

3. Bun Ca

Fish noodle soup, or “bun ca,” is a beloved Vietnamese lunch dish famous for its rich flavor and delicate preparation. The golden, crispy fried fish perfectly complements the clear, savory broth, which is simmered from fish bones washed in rice wine, pork bones, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Fresh herbs like cilantro and dill enhance the soup, creating a harmonious balance of taste that leaves diners craving more.
Bun Ca

Enjoying a bowl of bun ca is not just a culinary experience, it’s a prelude to exploring the most beautiful places in Sapa. After your meal, you can wander through Sapa’s breathtaking mountains, terraced rice fields, and peaceful valleys. The combination of traditional flavors and stunning natural landscapes ensures an unforgettable journey, delighting both your taste buds and your sense of adventure.

4. Stir-fried glass noodle

Stir-fried glass noodles with eel, or miến xào lươn, is one of Hanoi’s most irresistible street food dishes. Crispy fried eel combines perfectly with soft glass noodles, fresh eggs, and crunchy bean sprouts, creating a rich and unforgettable flavor. For those looking to try something new, eel noodle salad or eel porridge offers a unique twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. While wandering through Hanoi, small local eateries serve this dish with authenticity and charm, providing travelers with a genuine taste of the city’s vibrant street food culture.
Stir-fried glass noodle

Beyond Hanoi, culinary adventures can be paired with breathtaking natural landscapes. Some of the most beautiful places in Sapa, such as Fansipan Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley, and Cat Cat Village, offer awe-inspiring views that make any trip unforgettable. Combining Hanoi street food experiences with a journey to Sapa allows travelers to enjoy both Vietnam’s rich flavors and its majestic scenery. Whether savoring crispy eel noodles or trekking through lush rice terraces, this combination creates a perfect balance between gastronomy and nature, leaving visitors with lasting memories of northern Vietnam.

5. Mixed Rice Cake

Strolling through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you might spot a woman balancing two baskets on a bamboo pole, one holding a steaming pot, the other filled with fresh ingredients. This iconic street setup serves one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes: bánh đa trộn. The dish features wide, flat rice noodles tossed with a colorful mix of toppings, including juicy sausage, tender fish cake, fried tofu, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Mixed Rice Cake

Beyond the culinary delights of Hanoi, travelers seeking unforgettable experiences often venture to northern Vietnam’s mountainous landscapes. The most beautiful places in Sapa offer a perfect escape from the city’s energy, with terraced rice fields, misty valleys, and vibrant ethnic culture creating picture-perfect scenery. After indulging in traditional street food like bánh đa trộn, exploring Sapa’s natural wonders provides a deeper connection to Vietnam’s diverse flavors, both in cuisine and in landscapes. Whether you are wandering Hanoi’s Old Quarter or trekking the breathtaking hills of Sapa, these experiences showcase the charm and richness of Vietnamese culture.

Conclusion

Exploring Hanoi’s street food scene is a vibrant journey, from energizing breakfasts to irresistible snacks, offering one of the most unforgettable culinary experiences in Vietnam. The 14 iconic dishes you must try, including steaming pho, fragrant bun cha, sweet desserts, spring rolls, and creative banh mi, allow you to savor unique flavors while experiencing the lively rhythm of the capital city. Pair this culinary adventure with visits to the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Vietnam, including the most beautiful places in Sapa, where majestic mountains, terraced rice fields, and traditional hill tribe villages complete your journey. Plan your itinerary, bring an empty stomach, and get ready to enjoy every delightful bite while discovering the charm of Hanoi’s street food, all while immersing yourself in the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Sapa. Fax: (84-24) 3747 4139 | Fanpage: GrandViet Tour